Laser scanners

Safety Laser Scanners for Accurate Zone Monitoring and Access Control

Safety laser scanners are essential components for risk reduction around automated machinery, robot cells and hazardous machine areas. They detect the presence of a person or object within a pre-defined protection zone and trigger a safe stop when the boundary is violated. At MachineSafety-Shop.com we supply Datalogic safety laser scanners suitable for applications up to PL d (EN ISO 13849-1) and SIL 2 (EN 62061).

How a Safety Laser Scanner Operates

A safety laser scanner emits a pulsed laser beam across a typical field-of-view between 190° and 270°. Using time-of-flight measurement, the scanner determines distances by analysing the time required for the laser reflection to return. When a person or object enters a configured warning or safety field, the scanner activates its OSSD safety outputs.

Because detection is completely contactless, a laser scanner enables dynamic zone safeguarding without fixed guarding structures. This provides flexibility for installations with changing layouts or mobile equipment.

Programmable Detection Fields

Datalogic laser scanners support fully software-configurable protection and warning fields. Users can define:

• A warning zone for controlled deceleration
• A safety zone for immediate stop functions

Depending on the model:

• Safety fields reach up to 5.5 m
• Warning fields extend up to 20 m

Profiles can be created, stored, duplicated or activated automatically. Some models support switching between multiple zone sets depending on machine movement, robot direction or AGV travel path.

Industrial Applications of Safety Laser Scanners

• Zone monitoring around robot cells
• AGVs and mobile robotic platforms
• Safeguarding of packaging lines and conveyors
• Access control in workcells
• Detection in aisles, loading stations and transfer points

In mobile applications, scanners prevent collisions with people or obstacles. In fixed installations they ensure personnel protection without restricting accessibility or productivity.

Technical Characteristics of Datalogic Safety Laser Scanners

Datalogic’s Laser Sentinel series provides:

• Safety classification up to PL d and SIL 2
• Field-of-view up to 275°
• Configuration software with graphical user interface
• USB and Ethernet connectivity
• Compact housing for integration in limited spaces

Multiple scanners can be linked in master-slave configurations for extended coverage or redundancy. All units are designed to withstand dust, shocks and moderate vibration.

Installation on Machines and Production Lines

Correct positioning is essential to obtain full coverage. Installation typically uses adjustable mounting brackets on floors, frames or machine structures. Datalogic provides various mounting accessories for precise alignment.

Configuration is performed through Datalogic’s software environment, where protection fields, OSSD logic, muting conditions and behaviour rules are defined. Parameter access is protected against unauthorised modification.

Advantages Compared to Physical Machine Guarding

Safety laser scanners offer several advantages over fixed guards or fencing:

• High flexibility for changing layouts and processes
• Rapid reconfiguration without mechanical adjustment
• No physical obstruction during operation
• Effective safeguarding for moving machinery

This makes safety laser scanners well suited for dynamic environments and production areas with frequent workflow changes.

Maintenance Requirements

Maintenance is limited to cleaning the optical window, checking mounting hardware and performing periodic function tests. Diagnostic information is available via LEDs or interface protocols, enabling fast troubleshooting and system verification.

Optional Components and Accessories

• Protective housings against mechanical impact
• Adjustable mounting brackets
• M12 connection cables
• Industrial Ethernet switches

Compliance with International Safety Standards

All Datalogic safety laser scanners comply with:

• EN ISO 13849-1 (Performance Level d)
• IEC/EN 62061 (SIL 2)
• IEC 61496-1/-3 (Electro-Sensitive Protective Equipment)

Technical Support for Laser Scanner Selection

Our specialists at MachineSafety-Shop.com assist with product selection, positioning, safety evaluation and commissioning. Contact us for technical support or a detailed quotation.